System component installation

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented method for installing a component within a system is described. In one embodiment, component information is identified via a component code on a component. User input is received that includes additional component information. A component associated with the component code is activated in a system based on the component information and the additional component information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/787,128, titled: “System Component Installation,”filed on Mar. 15, 2013, and assigned to the assignee hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to component installation and, morespecifically, to component installation within a system, such as, forexample only, a home automation system, a security system, or acombination thereof.

BACKGROUND

Advancements in media delivery systems and media-related technologiescontinues to increase at a rapid pace. Increasing demand for media hasinfluenced the advances made to media-related technologies. Computersystems have increasingly become an integral part of the media-relatedtechnologies. Computer systems may be used to carry out severalmedia-related functions. The wide-spread access to media has beenaccelerated by the increased use of computer networks, including theInternet and cloud networking.

Many businesses use one or more computer networks to deliver mediabetween the various computers connected to the networks. Users ofcomputer technologies continue to demand increased access to media andan increase in the efficiency of these technologies. Improving theefficiency of computer technologies is always desirable to anyone whouses and relies on computers.

With the wide-spread use of computers and mobile devices has come anincreased presence of home automation and home security products.Advancements in home automation allow users to control aspects of theirhome and/or business using mobile computing devices. However, currentimplementations of installing components in a home automation systeminvolve complicated steps. As a result, benefits may be realized bysimplifying the installation of components in an automation/securitysystem.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method forinstalling a component within a system is described. In one embodiment,component information may be identified via a component code on acomponent. In some cases, the component information may include at leastone of component identification information, component type information,component settings information, component specification information, andcomponent location information. In some cases, user input may bereceived that includes additional component information. A componentassociated with the component code may be activated in a system based onthe component information and the additional component information. Insome embodiments, the component may be activated in a security system,an automation system, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a system controller may store the componentinformation received. The stored component information may include theadditional component information. In some cases, the componentinformation may be stored locally on a storage device at the systemcontroller. Additionally, or alternatively, the component informationmay be stored remotely on a storage device separate from the systemcontroller such as in cloud storage, on another computing device, etc.In one embodiment, a first component may be replaced with a secondcomponent based on the stored component information. For example,information identifying the first component, the type of the firstcomponent, and/or the location of the first component may be provided toenable a user to replace the first component with the second component.

In one embodiment, the component code may be scanned via a scanner toreceive at least a portion of the component information. In someembodiments, the component code is scanned via a camera on a mobilecomputing device (e.g., scanning the component code via a camera on asmart phone, etc.). In some cases, the scanner is incorporated into asystem controller. The additional component information may be receivedvia the system controller. In some cases, at least a portion of theadditional component information may be entered by a user at the systemcontroller. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of theadditional component information may be sent to the system controllerfrom a separate computing device. For example, a user may enter at leasta portion of the additional component information via a computing device(e.g., smart phone, tablet device, laptop, desktop, etc.) thatcommunicates the entered information to the system controller.

In one embodiment, the system controller may identify component locationinformation included in the additional component information. In somecases, the system controller may display a list of available locationsfor the component. The user may select a location from the list ofavailable locations, and the system controller may receive a userselection from the list of available locations. In some cases, the listof available locations may be displayed directly on the systemcontroller. In some cases, the list of available locations may bedisplayed on a separate computing device. For example, the list may bedisplayed on the user's smart phone. The user may select a locationusing the smart phone, and the user selection may be communicated to thesystem controller via the smart phone.

A computing device configured to obscure content on a screen is alsodescribed. The device may include a processor and memory in electroniccommunication with the processor. The memory may store instructions thatmay be executable by the processor to identify component information viaa component code on a component, receive user input including additionalcomponent information, and activate a component associated with thecomponent code in a system based on the component information and theadditional component information.

A computer-program product to obscure content on a screen is alsodescribed. The computer-program product may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium that stores instructions. The instructions maybe executable by the processor to identify component information via acomponent code on a component, receive user input including additionalcomponent information, and activate a component associated with thecomponent code in a system based on the component information and theadditional component information.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which features and other aspects ofthe present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description ofcertain subject matter will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments andare not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, nor drawn toscale for all embodiments, various embodiments will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system, according to an embodiment of thepresent systems and methods;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controller of a system, in accordancewith an embodiment of the present systems and methods;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method, according to an embodimentof the present systems and methods;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating another method, according to anexemplary embodiment of the present systems and methods; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method, in accordance withan embodiment of the present systems and methods.

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, theinstant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present systems and methods may comprise a systemcontroller. The system controller may include a scanner (e.g., anoptical scanner) to scan a component code (e.g., bar code, QR code,holographic code, etc.) of a component for component information.Further, the system controller may include a processor for processingthe component information to install the component within a system. Byway of example, the system may comprise a security system, an automationsystem, or a combination thereof, and the component may comprise aninput device (e.g., a sensor) and/or an output device (e.g., a light).According to various embodiments of the present systems and methods, acomponent may be installed within a system while the system is beingoriginally installed, or to replace or add a component within apreviously installed system.

Another embodiment of the present systems and methods may include asystem controller comprising an electronic reader configured to scan abarcode of a component for component information. The system controllermay further include a user interface for receiving other componentinformation, such as component location information (e.g., the physicallocation wherein the component will be installed, etc.), componentidentification information, component type information, componentsettings information, component specification information, and the like.Moreover, the system controller may include a processor to process thecomponent information and the component location information to installthe component in a system.

Another embodiment of the present systems and methods may comprise amethod for installing a component in a system. The method comprisesreceiving component information from a component code of a component.The method may also include installing the component in the system basedat least partially on the component information.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present systems andmethods, a method of installing a component within a system may includescanning a barcode of a component at a system controller. The method mayfurther include entering a location description for the component at thesystem controller. Further, the method may include positioning thecomponent at a location corresponding to the location description.

In yet another embodiment of the present systems and methods, a methodfor installing a sensor within a system includes receiving componentinformation via a component code. The method may also include receivinguser input including additional component information. In addition, themethod may include activating a component associated with the componentcode in a system based on the component information and the additionalcomponent information.

Yet another embodiment of the present systems and methods includescomputer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions thereonfor performing the methods described herein.

Other aspects, as well as features and advantages of various aspects, ofthe present systems and methods will become apparent to those of skillin the art though consideration of the ensuing description, theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Referring in general to the accompanying drawings, various embodimentsof the present systems and methods are illustrated to show the structureand methods for installing a component within a system, such as asecurity system. Common elements of the illustrated embodiments aredesignated with like numerals. It should be understood that the figurespresented are not meant to be illustrative of actual views of anyparticular portion of the actual device structure, but are merelyschematic representations which are employed to more clearly and fullydepict embodiments described herein.

The following provides a more detailed description of the presentsystems and methods and various representative embodiments thereof. Inthis description, functions may be shown in block diagram form in ordernot to obscure the present systems and methods in unnecessary detail.Additionally, block definitions and partitioning of logic betweenvarious blocks is exemplary of a specific implementation. It will bereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the presentsystems and methods may be practiced by numerous other partitioningsolutions. For the most part, details concerning timing considerationsand the like have been omitted where such details are not necessary toobtain a complete understanding of the present systems and methods andare within the abilities of persons of ordinary skill in the relevantart.

In this description, some drawings may illustrate signals as a singlesignal for clarity of presentation and description. It will beunderstood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the signal mayrepresent a bus of signals, wherein the bus may have a variety of bitwidths and the present invention may be implemented on any number ofdata signals including a single data signal.

It is noted that, according to various embodiments of the presentinvention, a system may include a home automation system, a securitysystem, or a combination thereof. It is further noted that a securitysystem may be referred herein as an “alarm system.”

According to various embodiments of the present invention, a systemcontrol panel (e.g., a primary control panel), which may also bereferred to herein as a “controller” or a “system controller,” mayinclude a barcode reader configured to scan a barcode of a component tobe installed within a system. As non-limiting examples, a component maycomprise an input device, such as a sensor (e.g., a camera, a doorsensor, motion detector, water detector, a smoke detector, etc.), anoutput device (e.g., a speaker, a display, a siren, or a light), asecondary control panel, or any combination thereof. More specifically,for example, a security system control panel may be configured to scan abarcode of a security system component, such as a sensor, to obtaincomponent information. Component information may include descriptioninformation, such as component type (e.g., a window sensor), brand,model, etc. Further, a user, who is scanning the component at thesecurity system control panel, may enter a location at which thecomponent is to be positioned within the security system. As an example,a user, in conjunction with scanning a door sensor component, maydesignate that the door sensor component is to be positioned in anupstairs bedroom. Accordingly, the component may be “registered” withinthe security system, a communication link may be established between thedoor sensor component and the security system, and the door sensorcomponent may be positioned within the security system.

As another example, an automation control panel may be configured toscan a barcode of a component, such as a light, to obtain componentinformation. Component information may include description information,such as component type (e.g., a motion sensor light), brand, model, etc.Further, a user, who is scanning the component at the automation controlpanel, may enter a location at which the component is to be positionedwithin the automation system. As an example, a user, in conjunction withscanning a motion sensor light component, may designate that the motionsensor light component is to be positioned outside and proximate thefront door. Accordingly, the motion sensor light component may be“registered” within the automation system, a communication link may beestablished between the motion sensor light component and the automationsystem, and the motion sensor light component may be positioned withinthe automation system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. System 100 includes components 101, controller 102,monitoring system 103, and remote activation system 131. Communicationlinks 104 (e.g., a combination of wired and wireless communicationlinks) to couple components 101 with controller 102. Wired communicationlinks can include circuit loops that are either detected as closed oropen. In some embodiments, components 101 and controller 102 are locatedon the same premises, such as, for example, in the same residence or inthe same building. Communication link 106 (e.g., a wired telephoneconnection, wired or wireless network connection, cellular connection,etc. or combination thereof) couples controller 102 with monitoringsystem 103.

Generally, components 101 may include any of a variety of automation orsecurity system components. For example, components 101 may includedifferent types of sensors, such as, for example, door and windowsensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, etc. Generally, controller102 may be configured to monitor sensors for alarm conditions viacommunication links 104 and relay alarms to monitoring system 103 viacommunication link 106.

Controller 102 includes a sensor monitoring module 111, a user interface112, and an alarm module 113. Sensor monitoring module 111 is configuredto monitor the sensors among components 101. The sensors may senseand/or indicate a change in their physical surroundings (e.g., anormally closed connection becomes open, a signal indicating that thesound of breaking glass was detected, etc). A signal from one of thesensors, transmitted from components 101 to controller 102 overcommunication links 104, may indicate an unauthorized access. Forexample, a circuit connected to a door sensor can transition from closedto open (or at least to a resistance exceeding a pre-determinedresistance threshold) indicating that a door has been opened.Additionally, or alternatively, motion sensor may send an electricalsignal indicative of detected motion. Sensor monitoring module 111 maymonitor communication links 104 for indications and signals sent fromone or more sensors. Upon sensor monitoring module 111 receiving anindication or signal of a change in physical surroundings, sensormonitoring module 111 may send the indication or signal to alarm module113. In some cases, alarm module 113 may treat a monitored indication orsignal from a sensor as an alarm condition.

User interface 112 can include an input interface and an outputinterface. The input interface may include physical input interface orvirtual input interface that includes one or more numeric key pads(e.g., for entering a disarm code), sensor activation buttons, physicalduress buttons, etc. The input interface may include a condenser forreceiving audio input and/or communicating with monitoring system 103.The output interface includes an output display device that displayssystem status, such as, for example, armed, disarmed, sensors/zones thathave detected change in physical surroundings, etc. The output interfacemay also include a speaker that audibly outputs information similar tothat displayed on the output display device. The speaker can also beused by monitoring system 103 to communicate with a user of controller102

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of controller 102-a. Controller 102-a may beone example of controller 102 from FIG. 1. Controller 102-a may includea user interface 112-a, which may be one example of user interface 112from FIG. 1. User interface 112-a may include a speaker 130, a keypad132, a touch screen 134, a transducer 136, and a scanner 138. By way ofexample only, scanner 138 may comprise a camera, a barcode reader, or acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, scanner 138 may be configured for reading a barcodeto obtain information about an associated component. By way of example,the information may include component description information (e.g.,component type, such as “glass break sensor,” brand, model number, partnumber, etc). Further, the information may include specificationinformation, such as, for example only, component size, whether thecomponent is for indoor or outdoor use, whether the component has abattery backup, and any requirements and/or prerequisites for componentuse. As will be appreciated, a barcode may be positioned on a component,on component packaging, and/or on component materials, such as acomponent user manual.

Although scanner 138 is depicted as being part of controller 102-a, insome cases a component code may be scanned by a scanner external tocontroller 102-a. As one example, a component code may be scanned via acamera on a mobile computing device (e.g., smart phone, tablet computingdevice, laptop, etc.). For example, an application on the mobilecomputing device may include a scanning function that utilizes thecamera on the mobile computing device to read the component code. Theapplication may then communicate the information collected from scanningthe component code to controller 102-a. Additionally, or alternatively,the mobile computing device may collect information entered and/orselected by the user via the mobile computing device as well as anycomputing device external to controller 102-a (e.g., a laptop computer,a desktop computer, etc.). For example, the mobile computing device maydisplay a list of locations where the component may be installed,enabling the user to select the location via the mobile computingdevice. Accordingly, information collected at the mobile computingdevice may be communicated to controller 102-a. In some cases, a usermay scan a component at controller 102-a via scanner 138. Scanning thecomponent at the controller 102-a may register the component. Additionalinformation may be received at controller 102-a via user interface 112-aand/or an external computing device, as described above.

In some cases, with the component scanned at controller 102-a andadditional information received by controller 102-a, a user may scan thecomponent in an area separate from controller 102-a. For example,controller 102-a may be located on the main level of a home, and thecomponent may be designated as being installed in a basement room. Inthe basement, the user may scan the component using the camera on amobile computing device to pull up information regarding where thecomponent is to be installed, as well as additional informationregarding the component (e.g., component identification information,component type information, component settings information, componentspecification information, component location information, etc.).Additionally, or alternatively, the user may be alerted that aninstalled component is failing and may need to be replaced. The user mayscan the component code of the faulty component in order to pull updiagnostic information. In some cases, the diagnostic informationacquired from scanning the component may enable the user to remedy thefaulty component. On the other hand, upon determining the componentneeds replacing, the user may scan the component code of the faultycomponent in order to retrieve component information on the user'smobile computing device. For example, the user may indicate in anapplication on the mobile computing device that the component needsreplacing. The application may then instruct the user to scan thecomponent code of the faulty component, triggering a function to sendinformation regarding the replacement of that type of component to themobile computing device. The information sent to the mobile computingdevice may include component information stored in association withcontroller 102-a and/or information from a database such as informationstored in cloud storage and/or on the Internet. In some cases, theinformation sent to the mobile computing device may include a set ofinstructions for replacement/installation. The user may scan the newcomponent replacing the faulty component to register the new componentwith the system. Registering the new component with the system mayautomatically associate the new component with the component informationpreviously collected and stored in relation to the faulty component.Thus, component identification information, component type information,component settings information, component specification information,component location information, etc., may be automatically associatedwith the new component.

Controller 102-a may further include a processor 122 as well as a memory140 that, as depicted, may be coupled to user interface 112 andprocessor 122. Generally, controller 102-a may operate under control ofan operating system stored in memory 140, and interface with a user toaccept inputs and commands and to present outputs through user interface112-a. Controller 102-a may also implement a compiler which allows anapplication program 124 written in a programming language to betranslated into a machine code that is readable by processor 122. In oneembodiment, instructions implementing application program 124 may betangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium. Further, applicationprogram 124 may include instructions which, when read and executed byprocessor 122, may cause processor 122 to perform the steps necessary toimplement and/or use embodiments of the present invention. Applicationprogram 124 and/or operating instructions may also be tangibly embodiedin memory 140 and/or data communications devices, thereby making acomputer program product or article of manufacture according to anembodiment. As such, the term “application program” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computerreadable device or media. Furthermore, portions of the applicationprogram may be distributed such that a portion of the applicationprogram may be included on a computer readable media within controller102-a and a portion of the application program may included in a remotedevice, such as a remote computer within monitoring system 103 (see FIG.1).

Memory 140 may further include one or more databases 142 for storingcomponent information. More specifically, according to one embodiment,databases 142 may store information obtained upon scanning a component.Accordingly, databases 142 may include information pertaining to eachcomponent of an installed system. Furthermore, databases 142 may includepre-programmed information relating to known system components (i.e.,components that are compatible with the associated system).

As will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art, auser may activate and control scanner 138 via user interface 112-a.Further, after activating scanner 138, the user may position a barcodeon a component, such as a sensor, proximate a display of user interface112-a to enable scanner 138 to scan the barcode and thereby obtaininformation about the component. Further, in conjunction with scanning acomponent, the user may enter a desired location for the component. Itis noted that the user may enter the location prior to, after, or whilescanning the component. As one example, after scanning the component,the user may be prompted via user interface 112-a to enter a locationfor the scanned component. More specifically, for example, the user maybe prompted to select a location from a list of available locations. Forexample, a user may enter one or more locations via the user interface112-a that may be stored in the one or more databases 142. Additionally,or alternatively, one or more locations may be stored in databases 142prior to the user acquiring controller 102-a. Thus, the user may selectone or more locations from a list including locations entered by theuser and/or pre-programmed into the one or more databases 142. In somecases, after selecting a component installation mode, a user may selecta location (i.e., by entering a valid location or selecting from a listof valid locations) and, thereafter, scan the component. According toone embodiment, the user may enter location information via transducer136 (i.e., orally, spoken, etc.), touch screen 134, keypad 132, or anycombination thereof.

Upon scanning a component and obtaining component information of thescanned component, controller 102-a may access information in databases142 that may assist in an installation process. As an example, uponscanning a code of a component, controller 102-a may determine acomponent type, such as “glass break sensor,” brand, model number, and apart number. Further, controller 102-a, using the obtained information,may access databases 142 to determine additional information about thecomponent, such as whether the component is for indoor or outdoor use,whether the component has a battery backup, and any requirements forcomponent use. Information obtained via a barcode and/or databases 142may be displayed via user interface 112-a.

Upon scanning a component and receiving information regarding adesignated location for a component, controller 102-a, via applicationprogram 140, may register (i.e., install) the component within theassociated system. Upon registering the component, a communication link(e.g., wireless communication link) may be established between thecomponent and controller 102-a. It is noted that information obtainedvia a barcode may be used by a remote processor and application programto register a component within a system. For example, according to oneembodiment, monitoring system 103 (see FIG. 1) may be configured toevaluate component information obtained via a barcode to register thecomponent within the system.

It is noted that a component may be installed within a system (e.g., asecurity system) while the system is being originally installed, toreplace a component in a previously installed system, or to add acomponent to a previously installed system. For example, according toone embodiment, a system installer (e.g., technician), afterinstallation of a control panel (i.e., controller 102-a), may installeach component of the system via associated barcodes. For example, asystem installer may select an installation mode at the control panel.The system installer may position each component to be installed nearuser interface 112-a to enable scanner 138 to scan the barcode on thecomponent to allow controller 102-a to obtain information about thescanned component. It is noted that in response to scanning a component,a communication link may be established between the component andcontroller 102-a. After scanning each component, and identifying adesired location for each component, the system installer may thenposition each component in its identified location (e.g., in a bedroom,at a door, at a window, etc.).

As another example, a user, such as a home owner, may wish to replace acomponent within the previously installed system. For example, the usermay wish to upgrade a component, or replace a malfunctioning component.The user may identify, via user interface 112-a, an installed componentto be replaced (an “old component”). Further, the user may position acomponent to be installed (a “new component”) near user interface 112-ato enable scanner 138 to read the barcode and obtain information aboutthe component. After scanning the component, and indentifying a desiredlocation for the component, the user may remove the old component,replacing it with the new component, communicatively coupled tocontroller 102-a at its identified desired location.

In some cases, a user, such as a home owner, may wish to add a newcomponent within a previously installed system. More specifically, forexample, the user may wish to add an additional motion sensor to apreviously installed and operable security system. According to thisembodiment, the user may position a component to be installed (a “newcomponent”) near user interface 112-a to enable scanner 138 to read thebarcode and obtain information about the component. Further, acommunication link may be established between the scanned component andcontroller 102-a. After scanning the component, and identifying adesired location for the component, the user may remove the oldcomponent and replace it with the new component, which iscommunicatively coupled to controller 102-a at its identified desiredlocation.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method 200, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. At block 202, component information may be receivedfrom a component code of a component. For example only, a controller(e.g., controller 102) may receive the component information by scanninga barcode associated with a component, such as sensor. At block 204, thecomponent may be installed in a system based at least partially on thecomponent information. As an example, upon scanning the barcode, thecontroller may process the component information to install thecomponent within the system, which may comprise a security system, anautomation system, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another method 300, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. At block 302, a barcode of acomponent may be scanned at a system controller. At block 304, alocation description for the component may be entered at the systemcontroller. At block 306, the component may be positioned at a locationcorresponding to the location description.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of yet another method 400, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. At block 402, component informationmay be identified via a component code. At block 404, user input may bereceived including additional component information. At block 406, acomponent associated with the component code may be activated in asystem based on the component information and the additional componentinformation.

In contrast to conventional methods and devices, embodiments of thepresent invention may enhance a process of installing a component withina system. More specifically, in contrast to conventional systems, whichrequire manually entering component information (e.g., a part and modelnumber) via an input device, such as a keyboard, embodiments describedherein may reduce, or possibly eliminate, a need to manually inputcomponent information via a keyboard. As a result, the installation timemay be reduced and an installation process may be enhanced.

Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the systems and methodsdescribed herein or of any of the appended claims, but merely asproviding information pertinent to some specific embodiments that mayfall within the scope of the systems and methods described herein andthe appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employedin combination. In addition, other embodiments of the embodiments mayalso be devised which lie within the scope of the systems and methodsdescribed herein and the appended claims. The scope of the systems andmethods described herein is, therefore, indicated and limited only bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents. All additions,deletions and modifications to the systems and methods described herein,as disclosed herein, that fall within the meaning and scope of theclaims are to be embraced by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for installing acomponent within a system, the method comprising: identifying componentinformation via a component code on a component; receiving user inputincluding additional component information; and activating the componentassociated with the component code in a system based on the componentinformation and the additional component information.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: scanning the component code to receive atleast a portion of the component information.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the component code is scanned via a scanner incorporated into asystem controller.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the component codeis scanned via a camera on a mobile computing device.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving the additional componentinformation via a system controller, wherein at least a portion of theadditional component information is entered by a user at the systemcontroller.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving theadditional component information via a system controller, wherein atleast a portion of the additional component information is sent to thesystem controller from a separate computing device.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: storing at least a portion of the componentinformation and the additional component information in a storagedevice; and replacing a first component with a second component based onthe stored component information.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: identifying component location information from theadditional component information.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: displaying a list of available locations for the component;and receiving a user selection from the list of available locations. 10.The method of claim 1, further comprising: activating the component in asecurity system, an automation system, or a combination thereof.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the component information comprises at leastone of component identification information, component type information,component settings information, component specification information, andcomponent location information.
 12. A computing device configured forprogressive profiling in a home automation system, comprising: aprocessor; memory in electronic communication with the processor;instructions stored in the memory, the instructions being executable bythe processor to: identify component information via a component code ona component; receive user input including additional componentinformation; and activate the component associated with the componentcode in a system based on the component information and the additionalcomponent information.
 13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein theinstructions are executable by the processor to: scan the component codeto receive at least a portion of the component information.
 14. Thecomputing device of claim 12, wherein the instructions are executable bythe processor to: receive the additional component information via asystem controller, wherein at least a portion of the additionalcomponent information is entered by a user at the system controller. 15.The computing device of claim 12, wherein the instructions areexecutable by the processor to: receive the additional componentinformation via a system controller, wherein at least a portion of theadditional component information is sent to the system controller from aseparate computing device.
 16. The computing device of claim 12, whereinthe instructions are executable by the processor to: display a list ofavailable locations for the component; and receive a user selection fromthe list of available locations.
 17. The computing device of claim 12,wherein the instructions are executable by the processor to: store atleast a portion of the component information and the additionalcomponent information in a storage device; and replace a first componentwith a second component based on the stored component information. 18.The computing device of claim 12, wherein the component informationcomprises at least one of component identification information,component type information, component settings information, componentspecification information, and component location information.
 19. Acomputer-program product for progressive profiling, by a processor, in ahome automation system, the computer-program product comprising anon-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions thereon,the instructions being executable by the processor to: identifycomponent information via a component code on a component; receive userinput including additional component information; and activate thecomponent associated with the component code in a system based on thecomponent information and the additional component information.
 20. Thecomputer-program product of claim 19, wherein the instructions areexecutable by the processor to: scan the component code to receive atleast a portion of the component information.